158 ESSENTIALS OF BACTERIOLOGY 



hours, but sputa containing the germs may be ejected for days 

 and weeks. Influenza bacilli are found accompanying bron- 









* <** >i. 4 yx v* 



v^7'^'" **<^ v & '. 

 k 5 - * *f- 



^rV/> 



!f-l?^: v v k 



*v*'?* *. *- : : c J V^ 

 ** * \ *' 



Fig. 93. Bacillus influenzae, from a gelatin culture (x 1000) (Itzerott and 

 Niemann). 



chopneumonia, tuberculosis, meningitis, and other inflam- 

 mations. 



Microorganisms of Suppuration. The suppuration of 

 wounds is due to the presence of germs. The knowledge of 

 this fact is the basis of the antiseptic treatment in surgery; 

 for when the microbes can be destroyed or their entrance pre- 

 vented, the wounds are made clean and kept without suppurat- 

 ing. Various forms of bacteria have been found in septic 

 processes, and the formation of pus cannot be ascribed to 

 any particular one alone; some, more common than others, 

 are found in nearly all forms of suppuration; others give rise 

 to special types. 



Wounds are often irritated by foreign bodies and chemicals, 

 and a discharge occurs in them even when every aseptic and 

 antiseptic precaution has been taken; but such a discharge is 

 free from bacteria, and no more like pus than a benign growth 

 is like a malignant one. 



